Walker football coach involved in bloody brawl resigns

Published: Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 11:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 11:09 p.m.

JASPER | The head of the Alabama High School Athletic Association said Tuesday he was disappointed by a videotaped postgame brawl between coaches that marred a football game last week.

One of the coaches involved resigned. It wasn't clear whether either school would face disciplinary measures.

Steve Savarese, executive director of the oversight body, said the fight between coaches from Cullman and Walker high schools was an “isolated incident” that did not reflect the actions of most coaches.

“We truly understand the passions that are involved in competitive athletics, but we can never allow those passions to cross the line and become unsportsmanlike in nature,” Savarese said in a statement.

The association is still investigating, and an AHSAA spokesman said both schools will be allowed to play their games this week. The schools could face disciplinary measures including post-season restrictions.

A television station captured video of the fight and it has been featured on numerous websites and channels.

Two coaches from Walker and Cullman high schools fought on the field seconds after Cullman beat Walker 13-10 with a late touchdown on Friday.

Video from a cable station in Jasper, TV16HD, showed a Cullman coach walking toward a Walker coach, who takes a swing with his right fist. Others coaches, players and police separated the men.

Jasper school officials suspended Walker head coach John Holladay indefinitely and named an interim coach.

Jasper school superintendent Robert Sparkman told reporters after a meeting with AHSAA officials in Montgomery that Holladay had resigned, said Ron Ingram, a spokesman for the prep organization. Sparkman did not immediately return a message seeking details. Cullman didn't take any action against its coaches.